Reports in the Italian media suggest Inter are very close to signing Andrea Ranocchia in the January transfer window.

Last night Inter's chief technical director Marco Branca said: "We will try and find a solution to the inconvenience presented by Walter Samuel's injury and nothing else, because if we are all healthy, then we are find as we are."

Inter have been repeatedly linked with Ranocchia in recent weeks, who they already co-own with Genoa.

La Gazzetta dello Sport understands Branca has tabled an offer worth €6.5m and that there is an openness to go a little higher, possibly to €8m.

However, it's rumoured that Genoa are holding out for €12m, so Inter are considering offering players in exchange, the favourites being Jonathan Biabiany, Davide Santon, McDonald Mariga and Sulley Muntari.

In the meantime, it appears Genoa have agreed a deal to buy a 50 per cent stake in Felice Natalino, Inter's Italy Under-20 international defender.

It remains to be seen whether he figures at all in any deal for Ranocchia.